Jakarta – Three airlines have been officially appointed to handle air transportation for the 1446 Hijri/2025 Hajj season.
Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), Hilman Latief, announced that the chosen airlines are Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Saudi Airlines.
“It seems that two airlines have met the administrative and technical requirements. Among the four airlines present, there are two domestic airlines: Garuda Indonesia and Lion Group, and one international vendor: Saudi Airlines,” Hilman explained during a meeting between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Commission VIII of the DPR at the DPR Building, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (6/1/2025).
He noted that the Ministry considered operational experience and punctuality when selecting the airlines.
“Of course, our basis includes the experience of each airline and factors related to on-time performance, which we consider very important,” Hilman added.
Delays were a significant issue during the 1445 Hijri/2024 Hajj season. The Chairperson of the Hajj Pilgrimage Cost Working Committee (Panja BPIH) of Commission VIII DPR RI, Abdul Wachid, highlighted these issues and expressed hopes they would not recur.
“Commission VIII DPR RI has evaluated the services provided during the 1445 H/2024 Hajj season, both for departures and returns. Out of 553 flight groups, 157 experienced delays, including 72 groups with significant delays. This set a record,” he said during a hearing with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hajj Organizing Agency (BPH) on Thursday (2/1/2025).
He explained that delays were caused by various technical issues, such as engine fires, fuel leaks, wheel replacements, and malfunctioning air conditioning systems. These problems had a domino effect on subsequent flight schedules.
“Therefore, we urge all Hajj airlines present today to ensure there are no delays in departures or returns for any Hajj flight groups during the 1446 Hijri/2025 Hajj season,” he emphasized.
